Movie reviews from a film lover & former video store employee.

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Monthly Archives: April 2014

I’ve always enjoyed the original 1950’s “The Blob” but today I just fell in love with the 80’s remake! What an awesome movie! The effects are the centerpiece of this film as they are just outstanding & creative. A lot of hard work went into creating the giant slimy unstoppable killing machine.

The script is hilarious, cheesy, and entertaining as hell. Not a dull moment to be had. It was fun to spot actors from other films. For example, the Sheriff in this is played by a much younger Jeffrey DeMunn, Dale from AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” I spotted Jack Nance from “Twin Peaks” & Art LaFleur who looks a lot like the Doctor from the original “Blob.” Hmm…

This blows the original 50’s version away. (Sorry Steve McQueen.) I can’t imagine any studio today even considering remaking it again. You cannot CGI the blob! Once a concept has been fleshed out and made the best it can possibly be, even if it’s dated, it should be left alone to stand on its own for future generations. This is one of those films. A must see. I’m kicking myself for not seeing & enjoying this my first 29 years of existence, but also thanking myself for saving it to see something potentially great this late in life.

The plot for this 1978 remake is very similar to the 1956 version. Sutherland plays Matt Bennell, a man who works for the Department of Health. When his co-worker friend (and secret love interest) Elizabeth complains that her husband is acting strange, the two of them start to notice that many other people are complaining of the same problem, that their loved ones are not really their loved ones.

I think where this remake shines most is in the last half where they try to flee the terror. It really builds on what the 56′ version started. It’s tense as hell, more violent, and more sophisticated. Sutherland makes a great horror lead. I wish he had done more films like this.

While plot remains mostly the same, this remake has a very different vibe from the 56′. It’s a perfect remake in that it takes the story and makes it it’s own without trying to be the original. It also has a bigger budget. Entire streets are lined with “them” chasing our heroes. Police, businessmen, women, children etc all transformed and on the prowl.

Lastly I think that the ending of this film is one of cinemas great endings. It’s truly memorable and shocking. Its even been parodied on “Family Guy.” What does that tell you? All in all, this stands alone, and on par with the original. This is what all remakes should aspire to be.